Kategorie: ‘United States of America’
My research stay at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- Anna Nießen (anna.niessen@hrm.rwth-aachen.de)
- PhD Candidate for Economics
- USA, Milwaukee
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- 08/2025 – 01/2026
Preparation and organization of the stay
The preparation of the research stay was smooth and well organized. Together with my doctoral supervisor at RWTH Aachen University, I contacted a distinguished professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee via email. I was familiar with his work from numerous academic publications, including several joint papers with German scholars. He responded very positively and was highly supportive, which made arranging the research visit straightforward.
Following his invitation, I applied for and obtained a J-1 visa. The language requirement for the visa process was limited to providing proof of at least a B2 level in English. Health insurance was a required component of the stay; I chose ISO Health Insurance to meet this requirement. Throughout the preparation process, the Center for International Education at the host university, as well as the secretariat of the Economics Department, provided valuable guidance and administrative support.
Accommodation was arranged through the host university’s housing services, and I was able to stay as an external guest in a one-bedroom apartment in one of the university residence halls. I booked the flights several months in advance, from Frankfurt to Milwaukee.
Shortly before departure, I finalized additional arrangements, such as organizing a mobile phone plan, obtaining a suitable power adapter, obtaining US Dollars and ensuring access to a credit card. Overall, the administrative and logistical preparation for the research stay was efficient and well supported.
First steps after arrival in host country
I arrived in the host country at the end of July, taking advantage of the possibility to enter up to 30 days before the official start of the research stay. This allowed me to adjust to the time difference and become familiar with the city.
Statue on Milwaukee River Walk
©International Office
During the first days, I stayed in an Airbnb apartment before moving into Kenilworth Square, one of the university residence halls. The accommodation there was of very high quality. I lived on the seventh (top) floor and had a view of Lake Michigan. The apartment was quiet, well equipped and provided all essential household items, including kitchen utensils. In addition, a 24/7 service desk was available.
Shortly after arrival, I explored the university campus and discovered that a free shuttle bus operates between Kenilworth Square and the main campus. I was able to use this service after obtaining a student card at the Student Union. I also completed the required registration at the Center for International Education.
Before officially starting my research stay on August 1, I had the opportunity to meet my supervising professor for a meal, which provided a welcoming and informal introduction to the host institution and helped establish a productive working relationship from the outset.
Academic/professional experience
I was not formally enrolled as an employee or PhD student at the host university and therefore did not have to pay any tuition or enrollment fees. The Economics Department consisted of approximately 15 professors and 15 PhD students. Interestingly, there were also three other permanent German PhD students present through an exchange program with the University of Giessen.
I was provided with my own office. I was allowed to attend the economics courses, including both classes taught by fellow PhD students and PhD-level courses led by faculty professors. In particular, I found the quality of the PhD courses to be very high. The courses emphasized interactive teaching methods, including quizzes, incentives for active class participation (e.g., bonus assignments) and innovative exam formats.
During my stay, I worked closely with my supervising professor on two research papers in the area of performance pay. We met regularly to discuss progress, which made the collaboration highly productive. I also had frequent and productive exchanges with other PhD students about our research. Overall, the department fostered a very supportive and collegial research environment and I experienced a strong sense of cooperation and mutual assistance among faculty and doctoral researchers.
Me during my EconClub Presentation
©International Office
The department also offered a vibrant academic seminar culture. Weekly Wednesday “labor lunch talks” allowed PhD students to present their research; I presented one of my RWTH research projects in this forum. In addition, a Friday seminar series regularly invited external researchers to present their work. Beyond academic seminars, the university hosted numerous professional and career-oriented events. For example, a representative from the Milwaukee Bucks’ data analytics department gave an insightful talk about applied data work in professional sports.
During my stay, an Economics Club was founded, and I participated in its biweekly meetings. Toward the end of my visit, I gave a presentation about RWTH Aachen University and my research group in this Economics Club, comparing academic structures and research environments between RWTH and UWM.
On a personal level, I found the academic community to be exceptionally welcoming. I developed close friendships with fellow PhD students and we frequently engaged in both academic and social activities together. The widely held view that people in the US Midwest are particularly friendly was strongly reflected in my experience.
Financing
The overall costs associated with the research stay were manageable but higher than typical living expenses in Germany. Expenses related to the visa application, health insurance and administrative requirements amounted to approximately USD 500. Round-trip flight tickets cost around USD 800.
Transportation costs were relatively low due to the availability of a free university shuttle and complimentary UWM taxi services after 6 p.m. As a result, I only occasionally purchased public bus tickets to travel to downtown Milwaukee, which cost USD 2.75 per trip.
Housing represented the largest expense. I paid USD 2,100 per month (including utilities) for my apartment at Kenilworth Square. This rate was relatively high because I stayed as an external guest; official PhD students typically pay around USD 700 per month for comparable university housing. In addition, longer-term rental options in the private market, especially unfurnished one-bedroom apartments, are available at significantly lower prices (approximately starting from USD 1,000 per month including utilities).
In general, the cost of living in the US is higher than in Germany, although Milwaukee is considered a comparatively affordable city within the US. Food expenses were noticeably higher than at home. I frequently shopped at Whole Foods, with Pick ‘n Save serving as a somewhat more affordable alternative nearby. Grocery shopping often amounted to around USD 50 for a small number of items. However, the university provided a food pantry, where students could obtain free groceries up to three times per month. Eating out can be relatively inexpensive when using fast-food options. I spent several hundred dollars per month on leisure activities, although many free or low-cost recreational opportunities were available in the city and on campus.
To support my stay, I received € 3,000 through the RWTH Research Ambassador Program.
Leisure
Milwaukee offers a wide range of leisure and cultural opportunities. Before my stay, I had not fully realized how much the city has to offer, but I found it to be a vibrant and, in my view, underrated destination. The city features several sandy beaches along Lake Michigan, beautiful parks and notable cultural attractions such as the Harley-Davidson Museum and the Milwaukee Art Museum. I particularly enjoyed exploring local cafés, cinemas, the Milwaukee Public Market and various farmers’ markets and festivals such as the German Fest or the Summer Music Fest.
Sports and live entertainment are also a major part of the city’s culture. The Milwaukee Bucks play at the Fiserv Forum, which regularly hosts both NBA games and concerts. The city is also home to the Milwaukee Brewers, who reached the semifinals of the MLB during my stay. One of my more unique experiences was visiting a shooting range with a fellow PhD student and watching an IndyCar race. Joe Cat’s is a popular bar on Brady Street, one of Milwaukee’s main nightlife areas. Water Street also offers many lively venues for going out. The university provided many free recreational opportunities, including billiards, bowling, gaming facilities and a fully equipped fitness center with a gym, basketball court, swimming pool, racquetball courts and group exercise rooms. Wisconsin itself has strong German cultural influences and is well known for its breweries, beer culture, cheese curds and frozen custard.
Me in Lambeau Field, Green Bay
©International Office
Milwaukee’s location makes it convenient for regional travel. Chicago in Illinois is less than two hours away by train, and I visited several times to experience its architecture and the river walk. I also traveled with a fellow PhD student to Madison, the capital of Wisconsin, where we explored the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, its impressive sports facilities and the State Capitol building. Additionally, I took a train trip to Minneapolis, Minnesota to explore the city. Toward the end of my stay, I traveled with another PhD student to Green Bay to visit the Packers stadium, and then to Door County, known for its scenic parks and charming small towns.
The climate in Milwaukee is quite extreme. Winters are very cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping to around -25°C on several days, making it very suitable for winter sports. In contrast, summers are warmer than in Germany, and the city feels especially vibrant after the long winter months.
I also traveled with my boyfriend to the Rocky Mountains and the East Coast during a two-week summer vacation, and spent Christmas and New Year’s Eve with my great-aunt’s family in Seattle. Flights within the US are usually inexpensive and there is so much to see, so I highly recommend traveling.
What added value did the stay have for my studies/career prospects?
The research stay significantly strengthened my academic profile by expanding my international research experience, deepening my expertise in labor economics and leading to productive research collaborations, including joint papers. It also broadened my professional network and improved my ability to work in an international research environment, which will be highly beneficial for my future career.
Beyond my personal career development, the stay contributes to society by fostering international knowledge exchange and strengthening research ties between German and US institutions. By sharing my experiences and research results with colleagues and students at RWTH and UWM, I help transfer knowledge and encourage future international academic cooperation.
To what extent does my stay abroad have a sustainable character?
The stay has a strong sustainable impact, as it led to long-term academic collaborations and personal connections that will continue beyond the visit. I plan to maintain close research ties with my supervising professor and to pursue further joint projects with PhD students at the host institution. In addition, the friendships I built and the continued exchange with colleagues foster lasting international networks. These ongoing collaborations support sustained knowledge transfer and contribute to long-term cooperation between RWTH and UWM.
Conclusion
Overall, my research stay was an extremely rewarding experience. I learned a great deal, both academically and personally, and had the opportunity to meet many inspiring and talented people. Living in Milwaukee was very enjoyable. I am confident that I will return in the future and continue meeting with the people I connected with during my stay. I would like to sincerely thank my supervisor and his wife for their support and hospitality throughout my stay.
My Research Stay at Stanford University
- PhD Candidate for Product Engineering of E-Mobility Components
- USA, Stanford
- Stanford University
- 06/2025 – 11/2025
Preparation and organization of the stay
I am currently a fourth-year PhD candidate at the PEM at RWTH Aachen University. From early on in my academic career, it was a clear personal and professional goal to spend part of my doctoral studies abroad. During my Master’s degree, this plan could not be realized due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which made international research stays largely impossible at the time.
©International Office
As a result, I continuously sought opportunities later on and remained in close exchange with professors and group leaders from relevant research groups in the United States. These discussions helped me sharpen my research interests and identify potential host institutions. Ultimately, a combination of persistence and good fortune led to an exciting opportunity at Stanford University, where I was offered a visiting research stay within the STEER research group.
Following the initial contact, the process moved forward very quickly, and I received an official invitation from Stanford. A particularly positive aspect was the excellent administrative support on the host side: a dedicated contact person at the department guided me through all formalities, including visa-related questions and institutional requirements. This support significantly reduced the bureaucratic burden and made the overall process smooth and manageable.
In parallel, I applied early for on-campus housing through Stanford’s internal housing lottery system. Although I was not allocated permanent housing through this route, I was able to secure two consecutive sublets directly on campus. This required some flexibility and a bit of luck, but it was strongly facilitated by an active and supportive German community at Stanford. In this context, I can highly recommend joining relevant community groups or chat channels, as they are extremely helpful for housing, administrative questions, and general orientation.
Regarding financing, a small portion of the travel and stay expenses could be covered through my research project, with explicit support from the project sponsor. Institutionally, the entire stay was handled as an extended business trip, which simplified internal approval processes and reimbursement procedures.
Overall, the preparation phase required initiative and coordination but was greatly eased by strong institutional support on both sides, proactive networking, and early planning – especially with respect to housing and administrative requirements.
First steps after arrival in host country
My stay effectively started immediately after arrival. I was able to move directly into my sublet room, which was located on campus at Stanford University. This proved to be extremely convenient, as it allowed for very short walking distances to all relevant facilities, including offices, laboratories, and shared infrastructure.
Since I was not enrolled as a regular student, I did not have to select or attend any courses. Instead, I was able to start my research activities in the host research group right away, without any delay. Administrative formalities, such as obtaining a student or visiting researcher ID card and access credentials, were handled very efficiently and could be completed within a single day.
One practical recommendation that cannot be overstated is to obtain a bicycle as early as possible. University campuses in the United States are typically very large and spatially cohesive. Compared to Aachen, distances are significantly longer, and daily mobility without a bike is impractical. A bicycle quickly became an essential part of everyday life and greatly improved flexibility and efficiency on campus.
Academic experience
I was officially registered as a Visiting Student Researcher at Stanford University. In this status, I was neither required nor formally allowed to enroll in regular courses for credit. However, in coordination with the respective principal investigators, it was possible to sit in on lectures and attend courses informally. I would strongly recommend making use of this opportunity, even if it is not mandatory.
The teaching quality at a university like Stanford is exceptionally high. Courses are very well structured, clearly motivated, and highly engaging. Beyond their academic value, some lectures are also extremely beneficial from a personal and professional development perspective. A particularly striking example was the course “Personal Finance for Engineers”. The way financial literacy, personal finance, and investment strategies are taught to engineering students is exemplary and forward-looking. This is an area that, in my view, should receive significantly more emphasis in engineering education in Germany as well.
In terms of social and academic integration, the German community at Stanford plays an important role. It is the second-largest international community on campus, which made integration very easy. I was warmly welcomed and quickly connected with like-minded people, both academically and socially. This network not only facilitated everyday life but also enabled valuable exchanges on research, career paths, and life in the US more broadly.
Overall, despite not being formally enrolled in courses, the academic exposure, high-quality teaching environment, and strong community integration resulted in a highly enriching professional and personal experience.
Financing
The research stay was financed primarily through private means, supplemented by funding from my ongoing research project and the support of the RWTH Ambassador Scholarship. This combination made it possible to cover the essential costs associated with the stay, including travel, insurance, and part of the living expenses.
It comes as no surprise that private universities in the United States – and especially in the Bay Area – are associated with very high costs. As a visiting researcher, I was required to pay a monthly university fee. In addition, general living expenses, particularly for food and daily necessities, are significantly higher than in Germany. Housing costs also represent a substantial share of the overall budget, even when living in shared or sublet accommodations.
Nevertheless, the stay is absolutely manageable from a financial perspective with appropriate planning and funding support. More importantly, it should be viewed as a strategic investment in one’s own education and professional development. The return on this investment – through academic exposure, international experience, networking, and personal growth – is exceptionally high and, in my assessment, clearly justifies the associated costs.
Leisure
©International Office
California is, quite simply, breathtaking. This is often said – but experiencing it firsthand truly confirms it. The diversity of landscapes along the US West Coast is remarkable, ranging from dramatic coastlines and deserts to mountains and forests. Combined with the consistently pleasant climate throughout most of the year, California offers exceptional conditions for outdoor and leisure activities.
One absolute highlight – and a clear recommendation for anyone spending time in the region – is visiting the national parks. They are unique on a global scale and offer experiences that are difficult to compare with anything in Europe. In particular, trips to Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and the Grand Canyon are strongly recommended. Each of these parks is distinctive in its own way – whether through scale, geology, climate, or biodiversity – and all are truly unforgettable.
What added value did the stay have for my career prospects?
For me personally, the stay was particularly valuable due to the different working culture and the strong attention to detail within the host research group at Stanford University. The way research questions were approached – often with a high level of precision, openness, and constructive discussion – was both refreshing and intellectually stimulating.
The people I worked with were, without exception, highly interesting personalities with very diverse and inspiring backgrounds. This diversity of perspectives significantly enriched daily research interactions and broadened my own way of thinking. Beyond the immediate academic collaboration, one of the most lasting outcomes of the stay is the international network that emerged and continues to exist beyond the exchange itself.
At the same time, the exchange was not a one-way transfer. Through my own research background and prior project experience, I was able to contribute concrete technical expertise and practical insights to the group on site. This mutual exchange of knowledge and perspectives was a key strength of the stay.
On a broader level, California and Germany share more similarities than is often assumed, particularly with regard to innovation-driven industries and technology ecosystems. This is especially true in my field of work, the battery industry, where comparable ambitions exist in terms of sustainability, industrial scaling, and technological leadership. Many of the approaches, mindsets, and organizational structures observed in California offer valuable learnings that should be examined more closely and, where appropriate, adapted for application in Germany.
Especially in the current politically turbulent times, it is becoming increasingly important to identify partners with shared values and to strengthen cooperation with regions such as California. Building closer ties in strategically relevant technology fields can help enhance resilience, innovation capacity, and long-term competitiveness – benefiting both individual researchers and society as a whole.
To what extent does my stay abroad have a sustainable character?
The stay abroad has a clearly sustainable character, as the exchange of experience and knowledge extends well beyond the physical duration of the visit. The professional and personal connections established during the stay continue to enable ongoing scientific dialogue, informal consultation, and mutual learning over time.
Conclusion
I can wholeheartedly recommend such an exchange stay to anyone considering it. Despite the organizational and financial challenges involved, the personal and professional benefits clearly outweigh the costs. One should not be discouraged by the financial effort required – when viewed in the context of long-term career development, the investment is more than justified.
My Research Stay at UC Berkeley
- PhD Candidate for Electrical Engineering
- USA, Berkeley
- University of California, Berkeley
- 05/2025-08/2025
- Preparation and organization of the stay:
I am currently in my final year of my PhD at the Center for Ageing, Reliability and Lifetime Prediction for Power Electronics and Electrochemical Systems (CARL), RWTH Aachen, where I work on analyzing the aging mechanisms of batteries using experimental and simulation-based data. Battery research is highly interdisciplinary, combining knowledge of electrochemical processes, experimental setups, engineering, and data analysis. Spending part of my research abroad had always been very important to me, as it offered the chance to gain new perspectives and access complementing expertise for my research. The energy, controls, and applications lab (eCAL) at UC Berkeley, with its expertise in algorithms, lifetime analysis, and data-driven methods, complemented my background and offered the expertise I needed for my analyses. To prepare for my time there, I organized the battery aging measurements I had started at RWTH Aachen so that they could be analyzed once I arrived at the lab. A professor at my institute from RWTH Aachen put me in contact with my host supervisor.
Organizing the logistics of a research stay in the US can be challenging. Finding accommodation in Berkeley on short notice was not easy, so I opted for an Airbnb, while shared apartments or nearby cities like Oakland offered more affordable alternatives.
- First steps after arrival in host country:
By chance, my first day at UC Berkeley coincided with the annual eCAL retreat, where we went lawn bowling and had dinner afterward. It turned out to be the perfect way to meet the whole group in a relaxed setting and to get to know the PhD students right away. Everyone was very welcoming, and a few of them gave me a tour of the lab. I also met my host professor in person that day, which made it easy to settle in and feel like I could start my research stay right away.
Campus of UC Berkeley
©Katharina Quade
- Academic experience:
eCAL had the feel of a close-knit group: about ten PhD students worked under the supervision of my host professor, supported by a handful of bachelor’s and master’s students. The culture and PhD process at UC Berkeley was noticeably different from what I was used to in Germany. At RWTH Aachen, PhD students often supervise theses and work closely with student assistants, whereas in Berkeley the emphasis was much more on individual projects and dissertation work without relying on large infrastructure and equipment. This meant fewer administrative and organizational duties for the PhD students at UC Berkeley, allowing researchers to focus deeply on their own topics. Each environment had its own strengths and weaknesses, and this exchange gave me the opportunity to integrate the strengths of the US PhD system into my work at RWTH Aachen.
The lab’s relatively small size made it easy to settle in and even though the students were spread across different campus buildings, communication was open and effortless. eCAL was also highly international, with students from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds. This diversity enriched our exchanges, blending technical discussions with cultural perspectives and insights into PhD programs.
- Financing:
The cost of living in the US, especially in the Bay Area, is quite high, covering groceries, leisure activities, and daily expenses. Fortunately, I lived close to a Trader Joe’s, which offered relatively affordable groceries. Getting to San Francisco on the weekends was very convenient thanks to the BART train, while within the city, buses and the metro were the main public transport options. For trips outside the Bay Area, having a car is essential. Renting a car in the US is comparatively affordable, but it requires a credit card.
-
The Golden Gate Bridge on a sunny day. San Francisco is just about 30 minutes away from Berkeley by train.
©Katharina QuadeLeisure:
Berkeley itself is a relatively small city in the East Bay, and since my stay took place during the summer semester, both the campus and the city were fairly quiet. Overall, I really enjoyed Berkeley and San Francisco as the area has a lot to offer, both culturally and culinarily. I visited Alcatraz, explored several exhibitions, and had excellent food in Chinatown and Little Italy. One thing to keep in mind, though, is the microclimates in the bay area: it can quickly turn cold, windy, or foggy.
California’s landscapes are incredibly diverse, and it is the US state with the most national parks. Many of them are accessible from the bay area, though usually a car is necessary. During my stay, I was able to visit Yosemite, Sequoia, Redwood, and Death Valley National Parks, each was impressive in its own way. I was particularly fascinated by how different the scenery can be within a single state: from the forests of Redwoods and Sequoias to the dry, hot desert landscapes of Death Valley.
- What added value did the stay have for my career prospects?
My research stay abroad was an important step for my professional development. It allowed me to work in an international research environment and gain insights into different academic cultures and PhD systems. I strengthened my expertise in advanced battery data analysis and honed my ability to work in interdisciplinary, multicultural teams. Global issues like climate change can only be addressed collectively, and this experience highlighted how much progress depends on collaboration across borders and disciplines.
- To what extent does my stay abroad have a sustainable character?
My stay abroad had a lasting impact in several ways. Beyond my own research, I built professional connections with professors, startups, and companies at UC Berkeley, creating opportunities for future collaboration. Networking is crucial in academia, and I am confident these contacts will remain valuable. I am still in touch with several PhD students and look forward to meeting them again in the future.
- Conclusion:
My time in California was definitely both professionally and personally rewarding. Engaging with students from diverse countries brought new perspectives to my work and daily life. Most importantly, the stay allowed me to focus and collaborate intensively on my research, which was crucial for successfully completing my PhD and ultimately deepened my passion for science and research.
My Research Stay at the University of South Carolina Upstate
- PhD Candidate in Business Economics
- USA, South Carolina
- University of South Carolina Upstate
- 09/2024 – 11/2024
Preparation
I had been a PhD student at RWTH Aachen for a few years and working abroad had always been something I’d like to do. As part of my research, last year I had the opportunity to start collaborating with a professor from the University of South Carolina Upstate. When I asked for the possibility to visit the US and work together from there, she was on board immediately. So, the planning began…
Planning a trip to the United States is definitely an administrative task, and I quickly realized that I had to take it step by step. After settling on a rough timeframe with my PhD supervisor and my hosting professor, I contacted the travel department of the university and booked my flights to and from the US. Talking to colleagues who had already been abroad and looking up to-do lists online was very helpful to figure out what steps to take, e.g. requesting a letter of confirmation from the host university or getting an international license. I started the organization process half a year before my stay, which was a convenient timeframe to organize everything.
Main building of the University of South Carolina Upstate. ©Maren Paegert
Accommodation & Living Expenses
Living expenses in the US are higher than in Germany, especially food prices. Eating out will cost around $ 20-30 for one meal. Grocery prices can be two to three times as expensive as in Germany, even for things like bread, a package of cheese, or some chocolate. This is just something to know and budget for. For my stay, I applied for and got granted the RWTH Aachen Research Ambassador Scholarship, which helped in covering some of those expenses.
As for my accommodation, I ended up booking an apartment in a complex which was specialized in short-term leases for extended business stays. I would recommend to book directly over the apartment’s website, since I experienced a cancellation several days after booking over a third-party platform. Other good options for a stay in the US are Apps such as Airbnb. In my case, there was no student housing available, but that would be another option in general.
College of Business and Economics. ©Maren Paegert
Everyday Life and Research Stay
I had my own office at the guest university and was able to experience everyday working life in the United States. Overall, working as Academic staff in the US is quite similar to Germany in many ways, with some cultural differences.
Also, I stayed in one of the Southern States of the US, and Southern hospitality is something I definitely experienced! Everyone was very friendly, open and attentive, which I enjoyed a lot. The professor I worked with was a great host, and I quickly met some amazing colleagues. The area offered a lot of places to explore, and I enjoyed walks in the park, going out for meals, shopping, the cinema, going to the gym, and running. One of my favorite experiences is that I was able to give my own lecture at the university and get into contact with many very curious students.
Another highlight was the last week of my stay, when we attended a conference in Virginia and I presented our research there. Overall, meeting an international community and collaborating was a very rewarding experience.
Conclusion
I can highly recommend to work or study abroad for a while. If that has been on your bucket list for some time, like in my case, be proactive and just do it!
Research stay at Georgia Institute of Technology
- Aerospace Engineering M.Sc.
- USA, Atlanta
- Georgia Institute of Technology, Aerospace System Design Laboratory (ASDL)
- 05/2023 – 09/2023
Application and Preparation
There has been a long-standing relationship between the Institute of Aerospace Systems (ILR) and the renowned Aerospace System Design Laboratory (ASDL) in Atlanta. Due to my activities as a bachelor student and as a student assistant for many years at ILR, I was given the unique opportunity to spend a research period at ASDL and to work there. The cooperation exists between the professors at both institutes.
Tech Tower of Georgia Institute of Technology
© Johannes Götz
In November 2022, I started planning and approached ILR about my desire to go there. Due to the choice of my area of work – the ASDL has six great research branches – the visa issuance and the related working documents took a few months. In May 2023, I could already start working remotely and got to know the team. From July until the end of September, I was on site at the Laboratory and worked there as a research assistant. Since I worked in a project belonging to the Defense & Space division, I had to wait some time for my DS-2019 (important work permit).
Accommodation and Living Situation in Atlanta
Finding housing in Atlanta is proving to be difficult. You must be careful at what time you are there because the semester times are very different from ours. In the summer, it is relatively easy to get an apartment for subletting. Facebook groups are excellent for this purpose. However, as always with such portals you must be warned of potential scammers. I first moved into a shared apartment and later into an Airbnb because the semester starts again at the end of August and the apartment search is extremely difficult then. The rental costs are at least about 1500$ per month. Georgia Tech supports you with the purchase of a monthly ticket for the local bus and train transport, called MARTA.
View of Atlanta Midtown from Piedmont Park
© Johannes Götz
These cost $66 per month and the network is well developed by American standards. From time to time, buses and trains are cancelled, but with the appropriate apps and enough scheduled time, I had no problems moving freely in Atlanta and the surrounding area. At night, however, you just must watch out and always be aware of your surroundings. Atlanta can be dangerous at night but also very beautiful. Common sense is highly recommended here and in case of emergency, you should always use services like Uber or Lyft. On Georgia Tech’s campus, there are several bus lines that make regular stops during the week, so it’s easy to get anywhere. I don’t recommend biking because of the traffic and the heat in the summer, though of course it depends on how far away you live.
The Work
I was working in the Defense & Space division on a project that dealt with the active removal of space debris and developed corresponding systems. My activities included work with complex FEM software, simulation of spacecraft control and simulation of the satellite systems and practical tests on tensile testing machines as well as larger test environments for validation and verification of the performed simulation work. It was a joint project between different laboratories and research institutes. NASA engineers were consolidating every couple of weeks. Various other institutions were involved in the project besides the
View over south campus from Georgia Tech’s library. Left side view is Downtown, right side is the Coca-Cola headquarter.
© Johannes Götz
Aerospace System Design Laboratory. The most important were Georgia Tech Research Institute, Space System Design Laboratory, various NASA labs, and Georgia Tech’s College of Design. Because of this diversity of partners, meetings were always necessary to keep each other up to date. I worked together with 8 other Graduate Research Assistants. In parallel to my work, I was still working on the DLR Design Challenge remotely. My working hours were 9am-5pm and I spent every day at the institute but was also able to work from home at times. The project does not fall under US export control yet, which made it possible to work in this sector as a foreigner. So, it was a unique opportunity to get to know US work in the space sector.
Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world. A must-see!
© Johannes Götz
Free Time and Tips for Atlanta
Atlanta offers a wide range of activities, all of which are accessible by bus and train. Besides the famous attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, Hall of Fame College Football, the World of Coca-Cola and the huge Mercedes-Benz Stadium, there are also beautiful parks. Take a walk through the Botanical Garden or visit the photo spot in Piedmont Park overlooking the Midtown skyline. Many series and movies have been filmed in and around Atlanta, including Stranger Things and The Walking Dead. Some movie locations exist in reality and can be visited. A trip to Hawkings Lab from the series Stranger Things, for example, was very memorable. At the Mall of Georgia, movies are shown in real (!) IMAX format. A trip there to see Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer was very worthwhile. A trip to Buckhead to visit the design and art museums and see the town there is also ideal for spending free time. For American football, field hockey or – the Americans call it soccer – football fans, there is a wide range of things to do, and watching an authentic football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was an unforgettable experience. For connoisseurs and lovers of the famous Rocky Horror Picture Show I can only recommend to experience it with authentic disguises and get a quasi-4D cinema show.
High Museum of Art in north Midtown
© Johannes Götz
The food scene in Atlanta is diverse and a culinary feast for the eyes. Excellent fried chicken, barbecue and coffee shops make you forget the hot summer temperatures there. Rooftop pool parties and cooking together as well as barbecuing together were also part of the everyday unwinding after work.
Typical college football game at GT’s home stadium. Go Yellow Jackets!
© Johannes Götz
Conclusion
My research stay in Atlanta was a great enrichment for me personally and an optimal opportunity to apply what I had learned at RWTH and to actively participate in a professional work environment. In addition to the linguistic education, I was able to learn a lot of positive things about American culture. There, a healthy competitive spirit, and a positive attitude towards passionate ambition prevail. These attributes are much more practiced in the U.S. than I thought. The idea of a life’s dream or achieving a good life’s goal is strong there. The students see themselves together in a team, and they also encourage each other to overcome difficult phases in life. I will carry this optimistic and motivating attitude forward. It is a great opportunity for a RWTH student to be able to do such research stays and to represent RWTH and Germany abroad.
Research Internship in Santa Barbara
- Chemistry M.Sc.
- United States of America, Santa Barbara
- University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
- 05/2023 – 09/2023
- Application/Finding an internship
Studying Chemistry M.Sc. at RWTH Aachen University comes with three mandatory research internships which optionally can be completed at an external institution. Inspired by a talk at a conference I contacted the professor via e-mail asking for a research stay about nine months in advance. After her approval the administrative process including some visa guidance was handled by the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB).
Applying early, I got the visa about four months in advance. The OISS at UCSB is an approved J1-sponsor. Several documents were required by the Department of Chemical Engineering and/or the OISS. I needed proof of health insurance, financial proof and a language certificate among others. The DS-2019 was issued by OISS at UCSB and is required for the visa application. Additionally, a SEVIS fee is required prior to the visa interview. In my case, the interview waiver applied which allowed me to send in my passport to the
Engineering Science Building
© Elisabeth Richter
consulate in Frankfurt and have it sent back to me once the visa was approved.
Applying early, I had plenty of time between the approved visa and my starting date so I could book my flight and look for an accommodation several weeks in advance. Since I was a visiting grad student not taking any classes I was not enrolled as a UCSB student and did not have to pay any tuition fees but also did not get the student benefits.
- Accommodation & Living expenses
Recreation Center
© Elisabeth Richter
Housing options are either student housing on and off campus or private housing in Isla Vista, Goleta area or Downtown Santa Barbara. The latter requires a daily commute by bus or car to the campus whereas the other options are within walking or biking distance.
As a visiting grad scholar, I was not eligible for student housing. I found a nice host parents arrangement living with up to two other students via a private housing listing provided by UCSB. Leasing or Subleasing is usually tied to the quarter system. In general, be aware of scams. Compared to Aachen, living expenses are higher in America and particularly high in the Santa Barbara area. For a single room about $1300 per month are common whereas doubles or triples are usually a little cheaper. Compared to Aachen, my expenses for groceries went up 1.5 to 2 times. Even though going out is much more common I had a lot of self-cooked meals. In general, fruits and vegetables are more expensive. For fresh, organic fruits and vegetables I recommend the farmers market which serves the best sourdough bread I had during my stay.
- Everyday life/the internship
Campus Point Beach
© Elisabeth Richter
Biking is the way to go around on the UCSB campus. The best chances to not get one’s bike stolen is in having a cheap bike and a U-lock. Used bikes can be purchased in a bike shop in Isla Vista or online. Outside of campus busses as public transportation are an option but depending on where to go cars might be the only choice.
Major food options on campus are in the UCen building serving sandwiches, burgers, and American Chinese food among others. In addition, there are cafes distributed throughout the campus selling mostly sandwiches and snacks.
The research group I visited provided lab space as well as a desk in the offices. Working with several colleges on a project I was fully integrated in the group during my stay. On average, I had biweekly meetings with my professor at UCSB discussing my research progress and giving valuable input. I attended the weekly group meeting taking turns in presenting one’s research progress and recent literature.
I usually worked in the lab on weekdays and used the evenings and weekends to explore the area. The recreation center offers intermural, fitness and dancing classes among others. The campus is right next to the ocean and always worth a visit. Part of the campus is the Campus Point which beach area is suitable for beginners in surfing.
One thing to keep in mind is that I stayed at UCSB during the summer which is way quieter than throughout the rest of the year. Same goes for the research group because of the lack of lectures but professors might not be available each week due to travelling to conferences or summer schools.
- Free time/tips
The campus itself is beautiful and a walk around the campus lagoon is a must. You can get a great view of the campus from the upper floor of the Davidson’s library both towards the mountains and the ocean. I highly recommend spending time at the ocean and watching a lot of sunsets. The surf class by the USCB recreation center is a lot of fun. They provide surfboards and wetsuits during the lessons and there is also a rental option at Campus Point Beach.
Campus and Storke Tower
© Elisabeth Richter
Going out there are some bars and breweries in the Goleta area to check out (beers can be purchased starting from about $7; remember the legal drinking age of 21) and even more options in Downtown Santa Barbara. The bus ride to Downtown takes 35 to 55 minutes. Alternatively, there is a 10-mile bike path connecting UCSB and Downtown Santa Barbara. Main attractions are the Santa Barbara Mission, the botanical garden, a walk on State Street and the waterfront. Ferries are connecting Santa Barbara to the Channel Islands National Park which is a great destination for hiking and camping. Whale Watching tours starting in Santa Barbara might go all the way to the Channel Islands seeing dolphins and humpback whales along the trip.
Both Goleta and Santa Barbara are connected to the Pacific Surfliner which goes from San Luis Obispo all the way south to San Diego. The train track itself is right next to the ocean giving this slow way of traveling an amazing view throughout the ride.
- Conclusion
My research stay at UCSB was a fascinating journey. I broadened my knowledge in Chemistry and gained a lot of new experiences on the personal level as well. Even though it took me some time to get used to the different culture I enjoyed the way of life. Within time, communicating in everyday English became natural and I understand and highly acknowledge the American humor by now. I met great people along the way to which I will catch up eventually. I highly encourage a stay abroad.
Research visit at Cornell University
- Mechanical Engineering, PhD
- USA, Ithaca
- Cornell University
- 03/2023 – 05/2023
- Application/Finding an internship
Since the start of my Ph.D., I planned to do a research visit abroad, and I was constantly looking for research questions that were suitable for it. Even though my ideas did not really convince me, I scheduled a meeting with my Ph.D. advisor. In this meeting, we discussed possible research groups which fit my research topics. Based on this, I picked a research group and developed a work plan for the stay. With that plan, my advisor contacted the guest professor, which agreed to the exchange. The next step was the official application as visiting non-degree graduate student. I got an administrational contact person that help me with the application. Besides typical application documents like certificates and a statement of purpose, proof of financial resources is required. A fellowship granted by Cornell University covered my tuition fee, so I only had to proof financial resources for living expenses and obligatory health insurance. Once the application process was completed, I received my admission letter and the I20. Both documents are required to apply for a visa. I started the application process 3.5 months before the start of my visit. In the end, I almost ran out of time and received my visa just a week before departure. Hence, I recommend starting the application process earlier.
- Accommodation & Living expenses
The beautiful campus of Cornell University lies on a hill above the city center of Ithaca. In close vicinity to the campus is College Town, which is the main area for student living (like Pontviertel). The convenience comes at a cost. In my experience, prices are quite high and conditions low. I spent 800$ on a small (12m2) room in a six-bedroom apartment with only one bathroom. Luckily, there were only three of us living there. To find an apartment, I asked the administrational contact person for help. Even though that provided some opportunities, I took the room that I found online on apartments.com. In general, I think it is not necessary to live in College Town. The local buses, which Cornell University operates, are free of charge for students and cover the city well. Living expenses are, in general, higher. For lunch on campus, you have to spend between 8 and 15$. In particular, groceries are substantially more expensive than in Germany, making it almost as expensive as going out for food.
- Everyday life/the internship
My everyday life was similar to my life at RWTH Aachen University. I got an office space in Upson Hall, which is one of the engineering buildings. The group that I visited covered two office rooms plus the office of the guest professor. My office space was within these office rooms, so I was fully integrated into the group. The group was very kind and made me feel very welcome. We went together for lunch or had dinners together. A small difference to my everyday life in Aachen was the more spontaneous interaction with the guest professor. He was basically every day available for discussions, which he showed by leaving the office door open.
- Free time/tips
Ithaca is smaller than Aachen but provides enough things to spend your free time. In addition, I highly recommend renting a car to discover the surrounding countryside. To keep this easy, I list my highlights in Ithaca and the surrounding countryside:
- Watkins Glen State Park
- Cascadille Gorge Trail
- Taughannock Falls State Park (The park at the lake is also very nice)
- Ithaca Farmers Market
- Ithaca Beer Co, Liquid State, Garrett, Salt Point (Breweries that serve delicious beer and tasty food)
- Rhine House (Best bar)
- Dos Amigos (Best burrito)
- Conclusion
My research visit at Cornell University was professionally and personally a success. I substantially advanced my research, bringing me a step closer to my Ph.D. Moreover, I gained helpful impressions about the American academic system, which are helpful for planning my future career. Finally, I met so many nice people that I look forward to seeing again.
Internship at Harvard Medical School
- Medical PhD
- USA, Boston
- Harvard Medical School
- 11/2022 – 11/2023
- Application/Finding an internship
Applying to Harvard Medical School seemed daunting at first. The reality was far more ordinary than expected. I sent an email including CV, letter of recommendation and lette
© Nikolai Ratajczak
r of motivation to the professor I wanted to work with in reply to an ad posted in the forum of my scholarship program. Within a week I had talked to two of the present lab members and the professor and was offered a position. This experience highly encouraged me to not be held back by the mystified prestige that has grown around some institutions. As my PI likes to say, in the end “we only cook with water”.
- Accomodation & Living expenses
Life in Boston and Cambridge is full of opportunities. Unfortunately living expenses and housing prices are extraordinarily high. Any room around $1000 a month will be considered cheap. In comparison to housing in Aachen this really requires a change of mind. Luckily, the college structure offers plenty of free food events to learn, participate and get some nice food. Other than that, food prices are two to three times as high as in Germany.
- Everyday life/the internship
I used to be in basic science in Aachen before coming here and was overwhelmed by the different workplace culture: I arrived just before the deadline for one of the conferences the lab attended this year and the work intensity, flow and energy reminded me rather of what I imagine a stock market to be like than what I associate with research. Overall, the team is very supportive and projects are being pushed in a demanding but productive way. Being here is definitely a great learning opportunity and can be a gateway to a career in clinical research. Other than that the city and colleges offer just about anything a student could ask for. I got into sailing and running and joined conferences every now and then.
- Free time/tips
© Nikolai Ratajczak
I really enjoyed my time with the cambridge running club and the community boating incorporation. Also the museums are a must see (MFA, Harvard Arts Museum, MIT Museum, …). Most of them offer free entry at some point or another. Moreover, I love to get out of the city every now and then. Going to New Hampshire, Maine, or Rhode Island for a weekend can offer nice hikes, the experience of a less “European” US and time to bond with new friends.
- Conclusion
I highly recommend anyone to come here. Working with my PI was a great experience.
Writing my master’s thesis in California
- Environmental Engineering M.Sc.
- Berkeley, California, United States of America
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
- January 2022 – August 2022
My stay abroad at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (California) was 8 months long, from January 2022 to August 2022. During this time, I was doing research for my master’s thesis (Process Engineering) and did not collect any CPs as a student at UC Berkeley.
Preparations:
I started contacting professors from UC Berkeley, asking for an opportunity to research on my master’s thesis without having a concrete topic. Through several emails and zoom meetings I was invited as a “visiting student researcher” at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), the equivalent to the “Frauenhofer Institut” in Germany. I had to apply for a J1 Exchange Student Visa, which meant filling out many documents and a lot of planning. In total, this process (called Free Mover) took almost a year before I was able to fly to San Francisco International Airport to start my research beginning of January 2022.
Living:
I found a shared apartment via craigslist close to my work and close to the campus. Do not underestimate the costs of living in the Bay area. For my room in a normal sized apartment with three housemates and a garden I paid $950. Food is as well a big expense, for example, a loaf bread costs $9 compared to a German 3€ loaf. Expensive is as well eating out (Pizza $15 compared to 5€) or having drinks (Beer $10 compared to 3€). But the food scene in Berkeley/Oakland/San Francisco is very versatile and vibrant, which surprised me. This all-year-great weather leads to people being active and sociable no matter how expensive life is.
Culture:
Near Berkeley is Oakland, a larger city that has become very attractive to the middle class. In Oakland, you can witness the process of gentrification, which means that the wealthy young generation is taking over an entire neighborhood from the poorer population. Oakland has a vibrant, fascinating culture on one side and crime and poverty on the other. To the west of Berkeley is San Francisco, which can be reached in about 20 minutes by BART, the local subway (cost $5, use ClipperCard). Berkeley is rather a quiet
University town, whereas SF is a magnet for tourists. The best places in SF are the Golden Gate Park (in the center of the city), the Dolores Park (a very crowded park, full of locals), Chinatown and Ocean Beach, there are as well great bars and festivals all year round. North of SF you can go hiking along the coast (Marin County, Point Reyes). In the south is Stanford University with a beautiful campus (Palo Alto). Must-see are as well: Napa Valley and Sonoma County (the wine regions of CA, 1 hour car ride from Berkeley), Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, and Big Sur (each 3 hours car ride from Berkeley).
Daily Life:
Since I was not an official student of the UC Berkeley, I was not able to create a membership for the on-campus gym. Instead, I got a membership at the YMCA gym in Downtown Berkeley, very close to my apartment. I spent the day in the lab working on my research, ate lunch there with colleagues, and then went to the gym. In the evenings, I often took walks to the Rose Garden in Berkeley, hiked around the Fire Trails, watched the sunset at the Berkeley Marina or on top of the Indian Rocks in Berkeley. When spending the weekend in Berkeley, I usually went to: University Ave (Downtown), Southside (the equivalent to the Ponte in Aachen, in South Berkeley), to Temescal (South Berkeley, on the edge to Oakland) and Solano Ave (on the edge to Albany). When I was writing for my thesis, I enjoyed going to the many libraries the campus has to offer (the best being DOE library) and cafes, like Strada, Blue Bottle, Berkeley Espresso and Yali’s. Other things I liked to do: Yoga at Ohlone Park, Sunday food at “Thai Temple” (Wat Mongkolratanaram from 10am-1pm), biking to Lake Temescal.
© Emna Aidi
Last Advice:
You will need at least half a year to plan such a research stay abroad. I created a one-page leaflet about my idea to work on my master’s thesis, listing my relevant coursework I took at the RWTH Aachen University and my interests in which I would like to work. I sent it to professors, who seemed to work on similar topics, and kept asking them to help me forward my email to others as well. Apply for scholarships since the research stay will be very expensive (Auslandsbafög, RWTH Research Ambassador, Promos DAAD, GIZ).
View: At the LBNL (located on a hill) overlooking the UC Berkeley campus and San Francisco with the Golden Gate Bridge.
